33 projects were shortlisted for the Don’t Move Improve award; we recently attended the Winners Breakfast Talk where the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place contestants presented their work. Here’s Cat’s ‘Absolute’ favourite…
3rd Place- Studio 30 Architects
Website- https://www.studio30architects.co.uk
Speaker- Henri Bredenkamp
Project- Shepherds Bush Extension
Short description- A clever and stylish take on the common ‘side return extension’ as well as a loft conversion incorporating large glazing and a beautifully finished ensuite.
Cat’s Winner- The Victorian Splayed Terrace backs on to a public park and has a beautiful listed brick wall at the rear of the garden. The garden itself was quite lovely with a well-established tree and a herringbone brick patterned patio area. The extension was built carefully around these features and was finished with a lovely herringbone pattered floor inside to reflect the finish in the garden.

The large visible loft conversion was brilliantly justified to planning permission by drawing on the similar extensions and materials used on other houses in the area. Studio 30 architects also justified the new window by using traditional proportions in its folds and matching the dimensions of the neighbouring properties.
My favourite part of the project- I loved how Henri allowed views of the park behind to be incorporated into the design of the house and cut into the existing brick wall to include a spacious window – making the most of the original setting and features of the house.
At Absolute Project Management we have worked on similar side return extensions incorporating roof lights and Bi-fold doors- making the most of light and bringing the garden and interior ever closer; such as this beautiful finished project in Acton[6].

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